South America: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) update for South American countries, Nov. 29 /update 10

Several South American countries report COVID-19 cases since late February 2020. Maintain basic health precautions.

Event

Several South American countries continue to confirm additional cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). As of Nov. 9, confirmed cases were reported in the following countries:

No active cases:

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas): last reported confirmed cases April 25

Clusters of cases:

Guyana: 5,310 cases*
Uruguay: 5,303 cases*

Community transmission:

Brazil: 6,238,350 cases*
Argentina: 1,407,277 cases
Colombia: 1,290,510 cases
Peru: 958,324 cases
Chile: 548,941 cases
Ecuador: 190.909 cases
Bolivia: 144,494 cases
Venezuela: 101,524 cases
Paraguay: 80,436 cases*
French Guiana: 11,179 cases
Suriname: 5,311 cases*

*As of Nov. 29, these countries are reporting increases in the number of active cases.

Additional cases may be added to this list at any time, as disease surveillance and testing continues.

Context

Additional cases may be added to this list at any time as disease surveillance and testing continues.

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Human-to-human transmission does occur, primarily through respiratory droplets from infected individuals or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms typically include fever, fatigue, and dry cough; less common symptoms include headache, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, reddening of the eyes, skin rash, or discoloration of the fingers or toes. Symptoms may worsen to difficulty breathing, pneumonia, and organ failure - especially in those with underlying, chronic medical conditions. Some infected individuals display no symptoms.

Older individuals and people of any age with chronic medical conditions or compromised immunity should consider postponing nonessential travel, including domestic travel, and take special precautions to avoid becoming ill, especially where sustained community transmission of COVID-19 is ongoing. All individuals should monitor their health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning from travel.

Advice

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.